Page 71 of Love Complicated

Heat ripples under my skin at the sight of Ridge, the flush of sexual desire I haven’t felt in months now consuming any time he’s within sight.

“When does Tyler get into town?” Tori asks, watching the crowds of people standing near the smoker to our left where we cook our smoked brisket for the sandwiches. It’s the best food at the track.

I groan, wiping down the counter once more. When I get nervous, I clean. “Next Wednesday.”

Tori catches onto the nervousness. “What’s that face for?”

“He doesn’t know about Austin.”

She laughs, knowing exactly where that’s going. “Oh, uh, good luck with that.”

Tyler never liked Austin. He and Ridge were friends, but Austin, nope. Hated him. Maybe I should have gotten the clue back then because my brother likes everyone. “There may be a murder in town next week.”

“I’m sure Henry will help him hide the body. He’s still pissed at Austin for what he did.”

I laugh, removing the towel from the counter and soak it in the bleach bucket. “Funny, me too.”

It’s nearing nine thirty when the main event is underway, and I spothimagain.

He stops near the picnic tables, talking to one of the track maintenance guys when he gets about a foot in front of me.

While his head is tilted toward Quinton, his lips twist into a half grin when he notices that my eyes travel down his body. He’s in a pair of shorts and a black T-shirt that matches the darkness in his eyes. God, he looks good. Flushed cheeks, beer in hand, dusty skin and a crazy grin that has panties melting all around him. Women blatantly stare at him, watching him lean casually into the picnic table like he knows it.

Jesus. Stop staring at him.

How does he have this effect on me?

Tori elbows me, hard. “You’re drooling again.”

I straighten my posture, trying to compose myself as Ridge approaches the concession stand.

He gives Tori a wink. “How ya been, T?”

She sneers at him and tosses a straw at him. “I can’t believe I did you.”

Did you?I snort. She’s been spending too much time with Ada.

Ridge takes the straw and pushes it toward me, our fingers brushing in the process. “Yes, you can.”

Sparks jolt through me and the visions of cock-spots dance in my head.

Tori snorts, leaning in to whisper. “I don’t know how I do. It was the quickest three minutes of my life.”

Ridge chuckles, running his hand down his jaw and then knocking his hand against hers. “Best three minutes of your life, baby.”

Tori takes the relish bottle next to her, pretends to gag, and then squirts it on Ridge’s arm like she’s thrown up on him.

Ridge stares at the blob of relish, then shakes his head and flicks it with his finger at Tori’s face. All three of us laugh, and Ridge’s gaze catches mine, and I’m locked in the darkness that’s working against me.

Someone tugs on Ridge’s shoulder, and he’s pulled away, his duties as the owner endless on race nights. I watch him walk away, until he’s completely out of sight.

The roar of the cars on the track during the last chance qualifier bring me back from staring at Tori, who is actually having a conversation with me.

“You’re a bitch. You never listen to me,” she says, handing a bag of popcorn to a customer.

The kid at the counter stares at her, as if she’s referring to him, and then walks away.

“He thinks you called him a bitch.” I laugh, catching a glimpse of Henry and my dad walking together, my kids following behind them closely.

“I was having a conversation with you, and you completely ignored me.”

Crap. She looks offended. “Sorry?”

“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes, leaning into the counter. “You need to fuck him so you can get your head right again.”

She’s right, I totally do.

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